July, 2019
On one particular day here at Big Creek Campground, after my evening supper, I walked through the campground on the one “road” that runs in a circle through the campground. There weren’t many people here on a weekday evening, but a few folks were camped comfortably here. Everyone waved or nodded or said “hi” as I walked by.
When I got back to my campsite and my rig, that’s when the magic started to happened.
I decided to trek back into the woods behind my campsite and see how far away the creek was. I could hear it, in the distance, so it couldn’t be too far.
At first there was a path, but the path got smaller and smaller as I walked on, though the sound of the creek never got any closer or louder. And then the path got so small, and then it just didn’t exist anymore at all. But I was intrepid and carried on … I was on a mission!
But then it started getting dark. And I began to think up all manner of boogie men and other scary creatures. And the sound of the creek seemed more distant, not closer. And I thought about what would happen if I got lost.
I never did find the creek! I got scared! I turned around and high-tailed it back to my trailer.
BUT … listen to this! Just before the last turn in the path back to my campsite, I noticed this big (and I’m not kidding, truly not kidding), I noticed this huge tree that had been burned out. For some reason, seeing it stopped me in my tracks.
I stood and stared, in awe. It was really big. I wondered why I hadn’t noticed it before. And then I thought about crawling into that burned out core … right inside that tree.
And then I realized …
I had found the place where the little people live … truly! It was a magic place. And a really safe place. It felt OK there, even for a big human like me, though the little people might not appreciate my squeezing in there.
I could see where the little people snuggled down at night, safe and warm. I could see where they scooted out the back way whenever anything threatened them (like big monster humans, or other scary beings).
Oh yes, it was a magic place all right. I knew that. There was no doubt at all.
I never did crawl inside. I wouldn’t really have fit inside, but it was a nice thought. I enjoyed the magic for a bit, and wished the little people well, and then I continued on.
Thank heaven, when I came around the last corner of the trail, there was my truck and trailer, just as I left them. Whew, I could have been in danger if I’d lost my way. As it was, it felt so special to find that place … the magic place where the little people live. What a treat. 🙂
Even the little people need to drink water! Now where was that creek?
What an adventure….but I think you should have left a trail of breadcrumbs or something, to find your way back safely. My husband should have come along for this exploratory hike, he being a fisherman, he may have been able to find that creek.
You are so right, I bet the little people knew a path to that creek. Maybe they were magically confusing me so I didn’t find their path to the creek and bother them. Breadcrumbs would have been a great idea, but for the birds. Hmmm, maybe I should carry a ball of yarn and unwind that in situations like this so I could be sure to find my way home again. But yes, Mark could have found the way for sure!
Ann, my wife calls these stories of yours “flights of fancy”. She loves them have no fear but she thinks you make them up. I believe you! They are real whether its little Towhee looking up at the sun or the little people living in the tree stump. Just because you can see the real world, and my wife can’t, is no reason to disbelieve. Your blog makes my day!
Make them up!? You are absolutely correct Tim, these stories of mine are absolutely true, no doubt about it. If your wife ever meets me, she can ask Little Towhee who will verify every detail. 🙂
Delightful! Thank you!
You are so welcome! 🙂
Ya know, the little people actually protect you. They could have hidden their home from you very easily, but they let you see it. It’s an honor to have them so close to you and your trailer, it means they like you and you are a really good person.
Oh my gosh, I never thought of that. Wow, they actually purposefully let me see their home. Thanks Nebraska. I like that. 🙂